Thyroid meds and high blood pressure (sanity!) - Thyroid UK

Thyroid UK

141,243 members166,489 posts

Thyroid meds and high blood pressure (sanity!)

Juliet_22 profile image
7 Replies

Hello All,

I've posted a few posts here about how I've been having HBP issues and how I've done endless tests, seen a cardiologist who had confirmed a very healthy heart, how I lead a very healthy diet and lifestyle, yet I'm still having HPB incidences.

After 2 decades on thyroxine with no problems, my HBP and high pulse issues emerged when we increased thyroxine from 75 to 100 mcg and even though I went back to 75, I'm still having issues that come and go.

I've also noticed how a cold weather triggers it (we lived in a warm climate before, never had issues there and they all started to happen when we came to UK last year and the weather here in UK turned cold)

If you're dealing with something similar, I want to share these 2 eye opening articles with you:

Thyroid meds and HPB: restartmed.com/thyroid-medi...

Scientific studies that show how a cold weather can result in HPB: sciencedaily.com/releases/2...

But it doesn’t take much; a previous study by Sun and his colleagues showed just five minutes’ exposure to a temperature of 52 degrees Fahrenheit can cause pressure to rise substantially. And a common medical evaluation known as the cold pressor test shows that a person who plunges one hand into freezing water for one minute will experience a rise in blood pressure lasting up to two hours.

I hope this helps some of you!

Written by
Juliet_22 profile image
Juliet_22
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
7 Replies
Jaydee1507 profile image
Jaydee1507Administrator

Just to say that as we get older blood pressure issues can raise their ugly head quite naturally. It's not just about a healthy heart though, conenctive tissue has an influence and also genetic predisposition.

adin profile image
adin

Hi, I am also facing the same situation.It's interesting, however, that when I add t3, my blood pressure drops but my heart rate increases a bit. My blood pressure increases around noon (I know because my head hurts in the back of my neck) and then I take a dose of t3, after it drops to normal and then another dose at 6pm. I don't know if the cold weather outside has an influence. I tried to take blood pressure pills but they interfere with hormones and I feel hypo...this is the only method I found and it works.

Judithdalston profile image
Judithdalston

I am having problems with high BP and HR with very Long Covid, so read anything that might be relevant to help explain what is happening ( I don’t feel palpitations). In the past I found that both under and over meds with T4 / and/ or T3… I notice this articles make no mention of how you measure ‘over’ medication with TSH, FT4 and FT3. But I am not convinced 12 Florida mice, subject to a coolish temp, and no winter outdoor clothing, were a ‘proof’ … hypos are often moaning about the cold, and any form of stress can affect our thyroid journey. You haven’t had covid have you?

Brightness14 profile image
Brightness14

I was given medication back in 2022 for raised BP it never agreed with me. I googled for answers and found that in Germany many GP's prefer to use Hawthorn extract. I have been using it now for 6 months or so and it works. My BP is back to normal now. I take 1 with breakfast and another 1 with my evening meal.

Juliet_22 profile image
Juliet_22 in reply toBrightness14

Thank you so much for sharing this! Will get it today. What was the cause of your HBP, if you don't mind me asking?

Brightness14 profile image
Brightness14 in reply toJuliet_22

I have an ear tumour which caused my higher BP but I am having it removed in June.

humanbean profile image
humanbean

High blood pressure has multiple causes.

High pulse rates (aka tachycardia) have multiple causes too.

In my own case I had tachycardia due to extremely low iron and ferritin.

I've also discovered that a sugar binge (I indulge rather too often) will raise my heart rate substantially too.

In people who have a good diet and do exercise and are a good weight things like kidney disease can cause a problem. So can your genes, smoking, caffeine, poor sleep, thyroid disease...

stopthethyroidmadness.com/b...

Personally (I'm not a doctor) I'm not convinced that salt has much effect on HBP for everyone with the condition.

This might be of interest :

kidney.org.uk/high-blood-pr...

Also, liquorice/licorice raises blood pressure too.

Supplements that (might) lower blood pressure

healthline.com/nutrition/su...

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

High blood pressure

I have been taking levothyroxine (50/75 mg alternate days) for the last 20 years or so, after...

High blood pressure

I'm on 150mcg thyroxine and have had my blood pressure checked at 140/77. I already do all the...
Flowers2 profile image

High Blood Pressure

I've had very high blood pressure for the last month. 136/104, 141/100 latest readings. I'm on T4...

Hypo with High Blood Pressure

Hi. I've been hypothyroid for 5+ years on 75mg of thyroxine. I thought it had gone down but Blood...

high blood pressure and underactive thyroid

hi long story I have been through the mill over these past few months long story I was in hospital...

Moderation team

See all
SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator
Jaydee1507 profile image
Jaydee1507Administrator
RedApple profile image
RedAppleAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.